Bimini Anchorage

[Boatguy30]

Anyone anchor in N Bimini lately? I have never been able to get into Bimini in the past due to draft but had dinghied in years ago and the books show an anchorage.

A relatively inexperienced friend is currently in Bimini and has been waiting for several days for calm conditions to cross the bank. They tell us they are stuck in a marina and its getting expensive. I asked about the anchorage and got no reply. It occurs to me they may no realize it's an anxhorage if no other boats are currently anchored.

Any info? Was thinking of possibly clearing in a N Bimini myself early next year and certainly won't be staying in a marina!

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Anyone anchor in N Bimini lately? I have never been able to get into Bimini in the past due to draft but had dinghied in years ago and the books show an anchorage.

A relatively inexperienced friend is currently in Bimini and has been waiting for several days for calm conditions to cross the bank. They tell us they are stuck in a marina and its getting expensive. I asked about the anchorage and got no reply. It occurs to me they may no realize it's an anxhorage if no other boats are currently anchored.

Any info? Was thinking of possibly clearing in a N Bimini myself early next year and certainly won't be staying in a marina!

My last few trips to Bimini inside the harbor was usually crowded and I have heard the holding is not that great so I just anchored off the beach on the west side of the island.

During normal easterly trade winds just tuck up as close to the beach as your draft will allow. Found it to be calm with no rolling to speak of and good holding in a sand bottom. You can dinghy to the beach and town is just over the hill or take the dink into town. If a cold front blows through this of course is not an option.

[Boatguy30]

Crowded with boats anchored?

[CSY Man]

Yup, holding is bad in the anchorage between North and South Bimini, that and strong tidal currents can make for interesting nights.
If the weather is settled, try Radio Beach in 8 feet of water.
Or Paradise Point, try to find shelter around the rocks close to shore.
With a North wind you can anchor in Nixon Harbor, medium holding in grass.
Since your friend is crossing the banks, go South and anchor East of North Cat Cay. Easy access to marina, grocery store, restaurant and showers. Shorter crossing of the banks when the weather lies down.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Crowded with boats anchored?

Boats anchored and in the marinas. My last trip there I couldn't even find dock space to clear customs.

[Boatguy30]

Ok, well was just checking to make sure their is no new prohibition on anchoring in the area. Seems unlikely. I guess this is the problem when people get used to/ learn by having to use moorings everywhere stateside.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Ok, well was just checking to make sure their is no new prohibition on anchoring in the area. Seems unlikely. I guess this is the problem when people get used to/ learn by having to use moorings everywhere stateside.

Well the last time I was there was several years back so can't say if rules have changed or not. I did read about a giant new development planned for North Bimini and no idea what impact that might have. Anyone have any news on the project?

[Cormorant]

What about the anchoring basin up by the Bimini Bay Resort?

When we were there (several years ago now) there was plenty of room to anchor, plus the resort would give you a day pass and you could go in and use the swimming pools and showers. . . . Heaven.

[CSY Man]

I have been using Weeches marina for years, very reasonable and have never seem them full up.
If you go in there, make sure to do it on slack tide, strong currents running and easy to loose control and make a public fool
Out of yerself, been there, done that:-((
After I only started arriving and departing on slack low or slack high, no more problems.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[RTB]

Originally Posted by CSY Man

I have been using Weeches marina for years, very reasonable and have never seem them full up.
If you go in there, make sure to do it on slack tide, strong currents running and easy to loose control and make a public fool
Out of yerself, been there, done that:-((
After I only started arriving and departing on slack low or slack high, no more problems.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

You are a very smart fella. The current RIPS through that harbor!

We saw a couple of boats anchored just north of Bimini Big Game Club (shown on Explorer charts). Just be sure not to get very close to the channel. Float planes take off and land in the harbor. It's the only place I've been "waked" by and airplane.

Ralph

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by CSY Man

I have been using Weeches marina for years, very reasonable and have never seem them full up.
If you go in there, make sure to do it on slack tide, strong currents running and easy to loose control and make a public fool
Out of yerself, been there, done that:-((
After I only started arriving and departing on slack low or slack high, no more problems.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

My last time in Bimini I happened to arrive the week they were having some kind of sport fishing tournament. Every slip on north and south island was filled and with a waiting list.

I pulled into one marina to see if I could stay long enough to clear customs (NO!) and had to leave. Current wasn't too bad but the wind was 20 kts plus from the east and as you know, the entire dock area is completely exposed to the east. That was the most recent time I made a public spectacle of myself.

[CSY Man]

Aye Ralph, are ya sure the seaplanes are still operating.?
Seem 'em many times in the past, but after a fatal accident that wiped out several Bimini families some 6 years ago, I thought they went out of business?
Have not been there since last year so somebody else could have started up?
I flew twin-engine seaplanes in the Virgin Islands in a previous life and was always aware of boaters but we came in with all landing lights on and lots of noise so the boaters gave us a wide berth.
The closest call was just at touchdown when a snorkler popped up 20 feet in front of the plane and I had one second to push the rudder and get him between the floats as we ran over him.
We thought we killed the guy, but after stopping we turned the airplane around and found him waving and smiling...
Needed a strong drink or two after that landing and the snorkler should be going to church every day the rest of his life..

[CSY Man]

Aye Skipmac:
The fishing tournaments are the exception that confirms the rule, so uh, don't go there then.
Good excuse for checking in with the dink however.
Normally Customs and Immigration wants you to take a dock so they can "inspect" the boat. They never do however, just good for the local economy.
After a few years I realized the documentation said my CSY 33 had a 9 foot draft. (Coast Guard Typo).
That was my excuse for anchoring of Radio Beach, taking the dink to shore and check in that way. (Old channel to shallow for a 9' draft)
After they dredged the channel, no more, except one time the officer let me get away with anchoring the big boat outside and taking the dink in, except I got no cash receipt, but got the Cruising Permit. No doubt the $150 went straight to his pockets, whatever...

[RTB]

Dang! A great story CSY Man.

The seaplanes were still operating last May and June, when we were there.





Ralph

[CSY Man]

Okay Ralph, I see the pics, C-206s on floats.
Possible charters for the local resort, not sure they can use those planes and make money between Florida and the Bahamas, but I could be wrong.
Flew the same planes in Alaska, hauling Eskimoes and dog-teams from one tundra village to another. Wild days...